App Review: Elven Chronicles by Big Blue Bubble

Elven Chronicles, a game published by Big Blue Bubble originally for J2ME based phones, has been ported and released for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Elven Chronicles is a classic role playing game (RPG). You are Rogan. You wake from a fitful sleep in the town of Goralgho. You are in the infirmary under the care of Jada, a resident healer. The caravan that you were guarding was attacked on the road. While you were unconscious, some soldiers came looking for you. Luckily, Jada sent them off in the wrong direction. You must move quickly to avoid being discovered. Jada joins you on your journey.

When you leave the infirmary, you have little in the way of money, weapons, or armor. You can buy more from the merchants there in town, but won’t get far with what you have. As you move around the town and talk to people, you will run into some that need your help and will send you on quests. To accomplish your quests, you must leave the town and explore other lands. You will find treasures in chests, fight monsters, and win gold. In completing these quests you and Jada will gain more experience and skill to help you along the way. When you have completed your quest, return to the person that gave you the quest to receive your reward.

If you have ever played an RPG before, and even if you haven’t, Elven Chronicles is an easy game to pick up and start playing. You move Rogan around the map by tapping on the screen. Enemies, represented by tornadoes on the screen, are engaged by simply running into them. You can talk to other people or open treasure chests in the same way. When you run into an enemy, there are 4 choices of things that you can do. You can attack, cast a spell, use an item, or run away. Keep in mind that spells cost magic, whereas attacking costs you nothing. However, spells are often more harmful to your enemy, and they can even be used to heal Rogan and Jada. Use magic wisely.

In playing Elven Chronicles, I found the game play to be smooth and easy to figure out. The graphics are good, and the replay value was excellent. The game is not quickly or easily conquered. It is sure to keep you coming back for more.